A bump can be formed. If this bump remains uninfected, it will appear white on the skin and may remain unnoticeable. Should the bump become infected, it may become inflamed and appear red and angry. This is acne, or more what can be more colloquially referred to as pimples or spots. Unfortunately, given that teenagers are often under huge pressure to appear attractive, the teenage years are when acne is most prevalent. It is a hereditary disease, but can also be caused by many other factors apart from genes, including bacteria in the skin pores, stress, and an over-abundance of hormones. Menstruating women can also suffer from acne.



Just as everyone has a unique and individual fingerprint, everyone’s skin type and therefore response to different acne treatments can vary greatly. Depending on the severity or extent of the acne problem, there are many treatments available that can work effectively. However, it is important to be patient when treating acne, as the duration required to achieve clear skin may vary from person to person. Despite not being life threatening, it is important to recognise that acne is a disease of the skin, and can cause harm to emotional or mental well-being. Therefore, treating the acne is important both to mental health, and to ease the inflammation that can sometimes cause physical pain. Acne is very closely tied to issues of self-esteem.

Firstly, it is vital to keep the body and face clean, as bacteria build-up can cause acne. Washing the face twice daily with a gentle cleanser can be beneficial to treating acne. Choosing an acne medication or cleanser, like Acneticin, that has been recommended by a dermatologist or doctor, as well as one that is marked ‘non-comodegenic’ can be beneficial. The main reason that a cleanser is beneficial is to clean and refresh the face, refine the pores, and remove any lurking bacteria. It is important not to irritate or dry out the face, as this can strip the skin of essential oils and make it susceptible to infection.

There are several natural herbs and oils that can help to calm inflammation and improve the complexion. These include lavender, tea tree oil, aloe vera, rosewater and walnut leaf. Cleansers containing herbs like these can be better than man-made chemical cleansers, which can be harsh on the skin.

As always, it is recommended that you visit a doctor or dermatologist for the best advice on how to cure your skin problem. However, there are steps you can take at home to give your body a head start in beating this problem: eat healthily, sleep well, and keep your face clean!